Kites 2017: Thank You, Chow Chong, Kiters, Sponsors and Volunteers!

The 2017 edition of “Kites Over Lake Michigan” is now history—a well-documented history, with probably hundreds of thousands of photos taken by the many thousands of people who came to Neshotah Beach to enjoy this 12th annual KOLM.
Sure, rain dampened things a bit late Saturday afternoon, and curtailed Saturday night’s activities. And a little more breeze on an otherwise picture-perfect Sunday would have been nice. But I did not hear a word of complaint from anyone in the huge crowds that jammed the beach, parked the east side full, and filled the shuttle buses to and from remote parking at the high school.

Thanks to “Kite Boss” Chow Chong of Unique Flying Objects, the awesome Wisconsin Kiters, and their fellow kiters from throughout the Midwest, Kites Over Lake Michigan has become Two Rivers’ premiere annual event. And that’s saying something in a town that has earned a reputation for “doing festivals right.”

Thanks also to the event’s major sponsors: Fox Communities Credit Union and Shoreline Credit Union. And to each and every sponsor who helps “make the magic happen” each Labor Day weekend at Neshotah Beach.

Thanks also to all the community volunteers who staff the concession stands, assist with set-up and take-down, and make thousands of visitors feel welcome here in Two Rivers. That includes the Two Rivers Police Explorers, who were everywhere, directing traffic, offering directions, assisting with “misplaced” children and parents.

Finally, a big shout-out to our City employees from various departments, who maintain Neshotah park so beautifully, handle traffic control, stand ready to offer emergency medical assistance, and deal with necessities like emptying the trash and keeping restrooms stocked with toilet paper.

To everyone associated with Kites Over Lake Michigan 2017: once again, you did Two Rivers proud.

Once More, to the Beach!

The great local band Out-a-Time will perform this Saturday afternoon, September 9, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Rotary Pavilion at Neshotah Beach.

Brian’s Smokehouse and BBQ will be there, offering great barbecue and soft drinks. The beach concession stand will be open, too.

(You can bring your own beverages, too—just no glass containers on the beach.)

One more time—head to the beach—for TR’s “Farewell to Summer Concert.”

Vote for Netting from Carron Net as the “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin”

Two Rivers’ own Carron Net Company is among the nominees for this year’s “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin.”

This second annual competition, sponsored by Wisconsin Manufacturing and Commerce (WMC), highlights the great diversity of products proudly made in Wisconsin. Last year’s winner was that iconic Wisconsin brand, Harley Davidson.

Founded in TR in 1933, Carron Net’s product line has expanded from fishing nets to include sports nets for just about every sport, custom netting for sports stadiums and arenas, and safety netting for manufacturing and distribution facilities. It’s a great, family-owned company with a strong history of community involvement.

And while Carron Net may not a familiar consumer brand, when you hear about all the places its nets are used, Carron Net is definitely “way cool.”

Saturday, September is also the Salvation Army’s annual Ride for Hunger. This year, the ride will start and end at historic Washington House in Two Rivers, so you can combine your bike ride with a visit to Ethnic Festival.

To learn more, or to register on-line for either the 10-mile trail ride (Washington House to the YMCA and back) or 40-mile road ride go to www.salvationarmywi.org/wum/manitowoc or go to the facebook page for Ride for Hunger 2017. Ride for a great cause!

Two Rivers City Manager Greg Buckley can be contacted by calling 920-793-5532 or by e-mailing gbuckley@two-rivers.org.